[Immunoscintigraphy in the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma]

The authors define the place of immunoscintigraphy (IS), a diagnostic method which differs qualitatively from the usual examination methods (US-ultrasonography, CT-computed tomography) in the management of ovarian cancer when monitoring the response to therapy and for detection of subclinical manifestations of the disease. The author explains the principle of the method which involves a highly specific antigen-antibody reaction. Possibilities to influence the accuracy of the examination and results of a clinical perspective study are submitted the objective of which was to test the possible use of this diagnostic method under our conditions. In a group of 66 women (with an established diagnosis of ovarian cancer or a newly detected ovarian tumour) 76 IS examinations were made and the finding was confirmed by biopsy. The results of the histological examination were also a criterion of the accuracy of IS and CT examinations resp. The material for biopsy was obtained on operation, second look operation, by fine needle biopsy or on necropsy. The authors evaluate 65 IS examinations. The accuracy of the examination was evaluated as very satisfactory (84%), the sensitivity 89%, specificity 79%, there was a minimal number of falsely positive findings (9.2%) and falsely negative ones (6.2%). An analysis of possible reasons of failure of IS examinations is made. The authors evaluate the contribution of IS and its place among diagnostic methods in the treatment and follow up of women with ovarian cancer.